One of Los Angeles’ most revered private residences has hit the market in Studio City—offering a rare opportunity to own what is described as a “true architectural treasure.”
Set on a quiet, leafy lane, the property dates back to 1949, when it was brought to life by famed modernist architect Rudolph M. Schindler, a contemporary of Frank Lloyd Wright, who built the dwelling for his client, Richard Lechner, the man for whom the Lechner House is now named.
Schindler, who worked alongside Wright on projects like the Hollyhock House, was among the most influential figures in early California modernism. His work broke from tradition by prioritizing organic materials and emphasizing the relationship between structure and landscape.
The Lechner House represents this philosophy at its fullest, have been inspired in part by Native American cave dwellings, with stark geometry and walls of glass that bathe rooms in natural light, while framing views of the surrounding treetops.
Spread across 4,000 square feet, the property offers four bedrooms and three bathrooms, and sits on lush secluded grounds. It is also officially recognized as Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument #1024, a designation that hints at the reverence it commands.
“Every surface tells a story of craftsmanship and care, and every view draws you back to nature,” says listing agent George Penner of Compass.
However, 20 years ago, the home was not the beacon of architectural prowess that exists today, having fallen into a state of severe disrepair made that much worse by haphazard renovations that had been carried out in the years since Lechner lost the home in a divorce, leaving it as a shell of the incredible jewel that Schindler conceived.
It was in that state that AD100 designer Pamela Shamshiri of Studio Shamshiri discovered the dwelling—prompting her to embark on a multiyear restoration of the home that has been hailed as not only restoring but also “improving” Schindler’s original work.
“It was heartbreaking,” Shamshiri told The New York Times of the moment she saw the property in its dilapidated state. “The spirit was gone.”
The designer devoted years to restoring and renovating the property, paying careful attention to Schindler’s most iconic design details, while also adding her own very elegant updates.
“I would often say to myself, ‘What would Schindler do if he were alive?'” Shamshiri explained in 2016. “He updated houses all the time. He didn’t think it was set in stone.”
The restoration also revealed elements of Schindler’s original vision long hidden by later modifications, an approach Penner describes as “extraordinarily progressive for its time, utilizing glass and wood to provide a direct connection to nature.”
“The interiors were restored, leveraging period details with sensitive updates,” Penner explains.
Douglas-fir ceilings, custom plywood cabinetry drawn from archived plans, and the striking stainless-steel fireplace that anchors the living space have all been revived to their former glory.
Modern amenities have been seamlessly woven into the updated kitchen and bathrooms, while the exterior has been brought back to life with revived patios, reimagined gardens, and a thoughtful restoration of the original pool. Rooms open easily to outdoor terraces and decks— an essential element of Schindler’s design philosophy.
“The entire property is situated to take advantage of the vast treetop views, gardens, paths, and pool,” says Penner. “The public dining space seamlessly opens to the broad covered outdoor patio and lounging deck.”
Beyond its architectural pedigree, the home’s location deepens its appeal even further.
“It’s a private, quiet street with easy access to the city,” Penner notes. “Set as it is within the hills of Los Angeles, there are notable luminaries within the immediate neighborhood.”
With the Mills Act in place, owners will benefit from significant property-tax savings, further enhancing the opportunity to preserve and care for this landmark.
Fully revived and returned to its intended vision, the Lechner House stands as one of Schindler’s most soulful works. And as Penner puts it, the home “offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be the next steward of one of Los Angeles’ architectural monuments.”